Taking a Motability Scheme car abroad: What you need to know

What about long term travel?  

You can take your Motability Scheme car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) abroad for uplink to 90 days within a 12-month period. For trips longer than 90 days, you must obtain written permission from us at least three weeks before you travel. To do this, contact us on 0300 456 4566.

You cannot take your vehicle abroad for more than 12 months. 

Your lease with the Scheme includes RAC European Breakdown Cover © Getty Images  

What to expect if you break down abroad 

If your Motability Scheme car breaks down in Europe, the RAC will be there to support you. They’ll aim to repair your car at the roadside or, if necessary, tow it to a nearby garage. If repairs exceed £500, and the car is not beyond economical repair, you have the option of bringing your vehicle back to the UK instead of getting it repaired abroad. 

Please note that in some cases, such as replacing tyres or minor repairs abroad, you might initially have to pay the repair costs yourself. These costs can typically be reclaimed upon your return to the UK, provided you keep all receipts and documentation. 

Please note, RAC recovery vehicles abroad may differ from the familiar orange patrol trucks you see in the UK. So, do not be surprised if assistance arrives in a differently branded vehicle. 

Do not forget your VE103 

A Vehicle on Hire certificate, known as a VE103, is a must when taking your Motability Scheme car abroad. It proves you have permission to drive the leased vehicle overseas. To get a VE103, call the RAC on 0800 731 3310. Please allow at least two weeks for it to arrive. 

Even if you’re travelling to the Republic of Ireland, you need to obtain a VE103 certificate.  

Green card requirements 

While a Green Card is no longer needed for your Scheme vehicle, you may need one if you’re towing a separate trailer or caravan. This can be requested by contacting DLM on 0300 037 3737. 

Towing whilst abroad 

If you plan to tow a caravan or trailer abroad, it’s essential to follow standard towing advice. Check your vehicle’s towing capabilities, including maximum permitted weights, to ensure safe and legal towing. 

Importantly, your Scheme cover does not extend to what you’re towing, so you’ll need separate insurance for your caravan or trailer. RAC offers a competitive cover package called Arrival, call 0330 159 8867 for more details, though you’re free to purchase this insurance elsewhere. 

In the event your Scheme car breaks down while towing abroad, the RAC will recover your vehicle to a garage for repairs. Your caravan or trailer will be taken separately to a suitable storage location or your chosen destination. 

However, if something goes wrong specifically with your caravan or trailer, the RAC can only assist if you have Arrival cover. Without this additional cover, any recovery or repair assistance needed for your caravan or trailer will be chargeable. 

Remember to check the country you’re travelling to 

Preparation is key to a stress-free trip, so familiarise yourself with the specific driving laws of the countries you’re visiting. 

Some European countries ask you to pack high visibility jackets and a warning triangle.  

Most countries, including Spain, require you to display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle. In France, several cities ask you to display a Crit’air sticker, which categorises vehicles based on the level of emissions they produce.  

It’s also a good idea to take a European Accident Statement form. This allows you to easily exchange details with another driver in case of an accident.  

And some countries may require you to hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you only have a paper driving licence.  

Essential documents checklist: 

Here is a handy list of things you should make sure you have, or have checked you do not, before you travel. 

• Full driving licence and National Insurance number
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• Passport
• VE103 certificate
• European Breakdown Cover policy details
• Travel insurance documents